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THEATER REVIEW

OMG: Lakeland Theater's ‘Legally Blonde' Production a Hoot

COURTNEY BUCK is Elle in Lakeland Community Theatre's production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical." The show runs through Jan. 27.

RICK RUNION | THE LEDGER

By DONNA KELLYLEDGER CORRESPONDENT

Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11:48 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11:48 p.m.

Can an air-headed blond fashionista raised in the glitzy fašade of Hollywood turn the staid Harvard Law School on its ear?

Facts

When California girl and sorority president Elle Woods is dumped by her well-to-do boyfriend because she is not serious or well-connected enough to suit his family, she sets out to woo him back by following him to Harvard. While learning about torts and writs, Elle not only survives taunting from classmates but also proves she is more than a dumb blonde.

Lakeland Community Theatre presents the unlikely — but highly entertaining — feel-good story of the Chihuahua-clutching co-ed with a penchant for pink in "Legally Blonde."

First performed onstage Feb. 6, 2007, "Legally Blonde" is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach. It's based on the novel, "Legally Blonde," by Amanda Brown and the hugely successful 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.

When California girl and sorority president Elle Woods is dumped by her well-to-do boyfriend because she is not serious or well-connected enough to suit his family, she sets out to woo him back by following him to Harvard.

While learning about torts and writs, Elle not only survives taunting from classmates but also proves she is more than a dumb blonde.

Just as Elle needs to survive the taunts of her Harvard classmates, the audience must persevere through the shrill squeals of college girls in the rather annoying opening number, "Omigod You Guys."

But as Elle matures, the show's musical style and biting humor do too and this is a joy to see.

Alan Reynolds, the theater's artistic and managing director, added sparkle and zing to a musical score less scintillating than, say, the effervescent "Hairspray," by casting triple-threat performers in lead and supporting roles.

He brought out the best in them with flashy choreography by Ferdinand De Jesus, associate director/resident choreographer of Florida Dance Theatre, and the musical direction of Patrick Fleitz, a church music director who teaches music at Florida Southern College.

The huge cast is superbly led by Courtney Buck, a senior at Harrison School for the Arts, as the effervescent Elle. Buck applies a light touch as she unfolds Elle's growth from a giggly, blond bimbo to a bright young woman of purpose.

She sails strongly through a demanding list of about 17 numbers, eliciting chill bumps during the heartfelt "Chip on my Shoulder" and "Legally Blonde," with Tyler Campbell as budding love interest Emmett.

Last seen on the Lakeland Community Theatre stage as Chip Tolentino in 2010's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Campbell is perfectly understated as the soft-spoken, laid-back Emmett.

The strong leads are nearly outshined by performances from a talented supporting cast.

Kristi Robinson-Greene as Elle's manicurist friend Paulette provides the first breathtaking performance halfway through the first act. Switching from well-delivered sarcastic humor to heartfelt crooning, Robinson-Greene holds the audience spellbound as the tough Paulette shows her softer side while dreaming — and singing — about Ireland.

Paulette's love interest, a testosterone-oozing UPS driver named Kyle, is played to the hilt by John David Partain, who gamely launches into an Irish step dance for his lady.

John Hatfield, who was seen in last season's "My Fair Lady," lends his smooth voice and commanding stage presence as the skirt-chasing law professor Callahan. He makes skin crawl during "Blood in the Water."

The cast is strengthened by Benedict Heaps' spot-on portrayal of Elle's underachiever ex-boyfriend Warner and Jenni Karabensh's Vivienne, his new snobby girlfriend.

And Courtney Jones is so convincing as the energetic fitness queen and accused murderess Brooke that it would seem totally believable, albeit fictitious, to learn the 16-year-old high school student was soon releasing a workout video of her own.

The entertaining ensemble includes additional multifaceted performers as well.

The show is technically sound, with understated costumes, lighting and set enhancing the effect of the show. Most notably, scenic designer Nick Judy's quick-changing set enables rapid-fire location changes — from the Delta Nu sorority house and Harvard classrooms to a hair salon and courthouse.

However, brief issues with the sound cropped up sporadically, at times making it difficult to hear what is being said.

The musical is filled with sexual innuendos — from one-liners like the UPS man's "I've got a package" to the flamboyant musical number, "Is He Gay or European?" — rendering the show unsuitable for children.

But for those old enough to understand the humor, this production of "Legally Blonde" is entertaining, uplifting and bound to make you laugh.

[ Donna Kelly has been covering the arts in Polk County for 10 years. ]

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